How did you first find out about bariatric surgery and what were your initial impressions of it?

My sister had looked on the internet and had all the information on the surgery. She thought it would be good for me. I read the information and discussed it with my husband. I finaly agreed and I found out my sister was getting it done. She had it done. I wanted it too.

What was your first visit with your surgeon like? How can people get the most out of this meeting?

I met the doctor. He was the sweetest man. He answered my questions. I was scared, but he knew what I was going threw. To get the most out of the meeting, I had a arms length of questions. EG) How long will I be in the hospital? How long is the procedure? What do I eat after words) ect

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

When My doctor told me I was border lind dibetic, and I could suffer a heart attack any time, I had to do something about my weight. And Dr. Joffe.

What was your stay in the hospital like? How long where you there? What things are most important to bring?

I stayed in the hospital for 4 days. My stay was ok. I live in Oshawa Ont and the surgery was done in Scarbough Ont. So I had very few visitores. the most important thing I brought with me was my Bible. God was with me the whole time. I felt at peace and I wasn't scared( well a little) And a picture of My husband and my beautiful daughter. So I can remember I not only did it for me, But to watch my daughter grow and to be there for my husband. What good would it have been if I was dead from a heart attack. This surgery saved my life.

Did you have any complications from the surgery? If so, how did you deal with them?

This is funny, I had problems going to the bathroom. I had to have a bowel movment and I couldn't so when dinner came I had broth tea and jello. Well I ate the jello and yes soo enough I had to go. The nurse asked if I went and I said yes, she clapped and said finaly.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

I was excited and becide myself. I was so happy to have this date. I found out 3 months later that my date was chaned to Nov instead of Sept. But the months went by and I was so happy. I was even more excited whaen the day before my surgery ariced.

Describe your first few weeks home from the hospital. What should people expect from this period?

No lifting. Get help with that. No house work(yea)!!! Rest Rest Rest. drink water. And remember why you had the surgery in the first place. My parents looked after my daughter for a month, so It was just my husband and me. Our daughter came to visit. I went for slow walks and made sure I had my daily dose of laughter.

How far did you travel to have your surgery? (If far, how did this affect your aftercare?)

I had to go to Scarobough from Oshawa which is an 1/2 hour drive. It didn't realy effect the after care. I saw my family doctor. and went to several check ups.

Please describe in detail what things you could and couldn't eat in the weeks and months following surgery. What foods have been off limits? Please explain how your dietary tolerance changed week-by-week, and then month-by-month since surgery.

The first 12 weeks were fine. I had broth and tea and jello for the first 6 wks and cream soups and instand mash potatoes and pudding. I can eat most foods. But smaller portions. being 8 months after surgery I can have things. Pizza yes. One small slice, lasts 1 week. Chicken very small. Remember to chew until there is nothing left. Savour. vegies I can have. Chew good. I cant have ice cream,steak,porkchops,bagles,sweet cerals.

What was your actvity level in the days and weeks after surgery?

I was slow the first month. By January I was walking my daughter to bus. The stop was at the top of the hill. I climed it no problem. I can run , walk for long time and do the grocery shopping with out wheezing. Playing with my daughter at the park. I can play basket ball with her. She is good. We have fun. I am out every day playing and running and having fun and going for walks in the forest and crossing creeks and going up hills like Rocky did. I feel great. Some times I out do my daughter in the enegry department.

What vitamins and/or dietary supplements have you taken since your surgery?

I take sinors vitamins. They have moe nutritional content.. I use Centrum 50 plus.

What side effects (nausea, vomiting, sleep disturbace, dumping, hair loss etc.) were worse for you? For how long after surgery did they persist? How did you cope with them?

In the begining I had sleep problems. I had to lay on my back. That was uncomfortable. My bum was numb and sore fron sitting on it. That was about it. I had no vomiting. I have it now when I forget to chew.

What was the worst part about the entire bariatric surgery process?

Comming out of sleep. The nurse was mean. She said Jennifer get up wake wake. And they wheeled me in the elevator and they were talking about yeast infections. Like I wanted to here about that.

What aftercare support group/program do you have? How helpful/important is this?

I have my sister who had the surgery and wo is still my suporter. My father and mother and my whole family support me. I am in the process of going to ditetision and talking to her about diet and lookig for support groups.

What is your scar like? Is this what you expected?

I have a med scare. I have VBG and my gallblater taken out. I now have two scares. One from my C Section the other from surgery. It doesn't bother me or my husband. I joke about it. I expected it.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am on one right now. I am sure I will loose I have to keep on eating healthy and execrise. It will be over the plateau soon.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes I feel good about myself. my other sisters are jelous of me becaiuse I have cofidence ans gaid my self esteme back. They put on phony faces, "Oh Jennifer you are so beautiful" they are bing liars. I only care about how I feel, What is in my head and in my heart. That is all that matters. If toher people are jelous than so be it.